The artwork “Egyptian no. 2” by Owen Jones is an exemplary piece from the “Art Nouveau (Modern)” movement, specifically belonging to the genre of design. It is part of Jones’s famed work, “The Grammar of Ornament,” which was published in 1856. This series has been influential in the study and application of ornamental design across various cultures and periods.
The artwork displays an array of motifs and patterns that are distinctly Egyptian in style, reflecting the fascination with ancient cultures that characterized much of the 19th-century European artistic output. Each element within the artwork is carefully arranged in a grid-like format, with symmetrical compositions and a harmonious palette of colors, typical of the Art Nouveau tendency to blend aesthetic appeal with structured design.
These designs intricately combine botanical forms, geometric shapes, and symbolic imagery inspired by ancient Egyptian art. The use of vibrant colors alongside gold and earth tones, as well as the depiction of lotus flowers, papyrus stems, and other plant-based motifs, all allude to the natural flora of the Nile region and the importance of these elements in Egyptian symbolism and daily life.
Jones’s meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to reproducing the aesthetic essence of historical ornamentation in a modern context are evident in the precision of each pattern. The artwork serves both as a historical homage to the rich visual language of ancient Egypt and as an instructional piece, guiding contemporary designers in the applications of classical ornamental principles.
